Rock utility enclosure apparatus

ABSTRACT

A utility enclosure apparatus for utility lines extending upward from the ground consists of a housing defining a cavity and an upper aperture opening into the cavity as well as a lower aperture for the passage of utility cables into the cavity. Two rails extend upward from the housing and support a hanger rod therebetween that is slidable along the lengths of the rails. An amplifier or other device may be hung from the hanger rod for connection to the utility cables. An adjustable center support bar extends across the upper aperture in the housing to provide support to the amplifier or other device hanging from the rail. A rock-like cover is configure to fit over and conceal the housing and be removably secured to the housing so as to provide an aesthetic look to the utility enclosure.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/728,893, filed Oct. 10, 1996, now issued as Pat. No. 5,782,584.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cover apparatus for a utilityenclosure and, in particular, relates to a ventilated cover for autility enclosure that has a rock-like appearance so as to beaesthetically pleasing to the eye.

2. Description of the Related Art

Increasingly, modern utility lines, such as telephone, electrical, andcable lines, are located underground, rather than in the air suspendedby telephone poles, as in the past. While locating utility linesunderground provides the advantage of removing unsightly telephone polesand suspended wires from city streets and rural landscapes, it alsopresents several disadvantages. Specifically, access to theseunderground lines is difficult and requires that these lines beperiodically brought to the surface and enclosed within a surfaceenclosure. Consequently, utility companies have located utilityenclosures at various above-ground or ground level locations. However,these enclosures are often unsightly, particularly when located insuburban neighborhoods and the like.

These utility enclosures do have certain advantages. For instance, theygive utility workers the ability to perform maintenance on the lines, aswell as the ability to diagnose or enhance the performance of the linesusing active and passive devices that are attached to the utility linesin the enclosure. An above-ground enclosure provides easy access forchanging these devices or otherwise upgrading or providing maintenanceon these utility services. For example, above-ground utility enclosuresfacilitate the task of attaching amplifiers, or line extenders, or thelike to cable TV lines. In this instance, the amplifiers act to boostthe signal that is transmitted through the line.

Unfortunately, there are also certain drawbacks associated with currentutility enclosures. First, the utility enclosures are unattractive inappearance as they typically consist of large box-shaped structures madeof unattractive colors. Such devices are especially undesirable inresidential areas, where the utility connectors often project upward inthe yard of a home and spoil an otherwise well-landscaped yard. Theutility enclosures and connectors contained therein also present anotherdisadvantage in that their current design is impractical. As discussed,amplifiers and other devices are often located in the enclosures whereconnections are formed in the utility lines to boost the signal carriedby the lines. Typically, these types of devices are suspended from anelevated bar that extends upward from the utility connector housing.However, in current utility connectors, the position of the elevated barfrom which these devices are hung is fixed. This is undesirable, as itdoes not allow an operator to adjust the location of the bar to suit thevarious types and sizes of amplifiers or other devices. Moreover,because the position of the bar is fixed, it often gets in the way of amaintenance person who is trying to access the utility lines.

Hence, there is a need for a utility connector that is moreaesthetically pleasing, as well as more practical and convenient forutility maintenance personnel to access for maintenance of the utilityservices provided therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned needs are satisfied by the present invention, whichis comprised of a utility connector enclosure apparatus that is bothaesthetically pleasing and designed to provide utility maintenancepersonnel with convenient and easy access to the utility lines. In oneaspect, the utility connector enclosure comprises a housing that definesa cavity and an upper opening to the cavity. The cavity can house one ormore utility lines that preferably protrude upward from the groundthrough a lower aperture into the housing. Two guide rails extend upwardfrom the housing and extend over the cavity. One or more hanger rods aresuspended between the guide rails so that it is located over the cavity.The hanger rod is configured so that devices such as amplifiers may behung from the rod and attached to the utility lines.

In another aspect of the invention, the hanger rod is slidably movablealong the lengths of the guide rails. The guide rails are preferablyarc-shaped to enhance the slidability of the rod over the rails and alsoto increase the range of motion of the hanger rod over the rails toaccommodate devices of different sizes and shapes. In particular, thehanger rods are, therefore, adjustable which is advantageous as itallows maintenance personnel to adjust the position of the hanger rod toprovide easier access to the cavity within the housing, and hence theutility lines, during maintenance or repair. Moreover, it also allowsmaintenance personnel to adjust the position of the rod to suit varioussizes of amplifiers or other devices that are hung from the rod.

In another aspect of the invention, a center support bar extends acrossthe upper aperture of the housing. The center bar acts to support theweight of an amplifier or other device that is hanging from the hangerrod. Preferably, the position of the center support bar is adjustable.This provides the ability for maintenance personnel to move the supportbar to convenient positions during maintenance so as to provide maximumaccess to the cavity and the utility lines and also to provide optimumuse of space and positioning within the enclosure.

In another aspect of the invention, a cover is configured to beremovably secured over the housing so as to conceal the housing, andhence the utility connectors, from view. Preferably, the cover has atexture and color that appears like a rock. When the cover is in place,the utility enclosure appears as an attractive rock, rather than anintrusive-looking plastic device. This feature will preferably lessen ahomeowner's resistance to having a utility connector located in his orher yard. Preferably, the cover is configured so that it may locked inplace over the housing, thereby securing the utility lines fromvandalism or theft.

Hence, the present invention is a utility connector apparatus thatprovides many advantages over the prior art. The device is an aesthetichousing for utility connectors that provides easy and convenient accessfor utility personnel to utility lines. These and other objects andadvantages will become more fully apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will now be described withreference to the drawings of a preferred embodiment which is intended toillustrate and not to limit the invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the hangerbar in an adjusted position; and

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 as it isinstalled in the ground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals referto like parts throughout. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rock utilitycover apparatus 10. A support structure 12 of the rock utility coverapparatus 10 consists of a generally rectangular-shaped housing 14having interior walls 16 that define a cavity 18 therein. In thisembodiment, the housing 14 defines a generally rectangular-shaped crosssection in a horizontal plane. The cross-section preferably tapers insize in the vertical direction so that the cross-sectional area isgreater at the bottom of the housing 14. It will be appreciated thatalthough a rectangular-shaped housing has been illustrated in FIG. 1,any wide variety of shapes could be utilized without departing from thescope of the invention.

An upper portion 20 of the rectangular-shaped housing 14 defines agenerally rectangular-shaped upper aperture 22 that opens into thecavity 18. Below the upper aperture 22, a flange 24 extends outward fromthe interior wall 16 around the entire perimeter of the housing 14. Inthe illustrated embodiment, a series of flange supports 26 are locatedimmediately beneath the flange 24 around the perimeter of the housing 14to provide vertical support for the flange 24.

A lower portion 30 of the rectangular shaped housing 14 defines agenerally rectangular-shaped lower aperture 32 that opens into a lowerend of the cavity 18. As discussed, the housing 14 tapers in size in thevertical direction so that the lower aperture 32 has a greater area thanthe upper aperture 22. Utility lines 17 may extend upward from theground (See, FIG. 3) through the lower aperture 32 and into the cavity18, where the lines may be maintained or connected to devices.

A base 34 is integrally formed with the lower portion 30 of the housing14 so as to extend outward around the entire perimeter of the lowerportion 30 of the housing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 34is shaped to extend horizontally outward and vertically upward. A seriesof triangular-shaped, vertical structural supports 36 are distributedaround the exterior of the housing 14 to preferably provide structuralrigidity to the housing 14.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the housing 14has dimensions of 321/4"×191/2" at the upper aperture 22 and a depth of15" from the upper aperture 22 to the lower aperture 32. In anotherembodiment, the housing 14 has dimensions of 26"×161/2" at the upperaperture 22 and a depth of 15" from the upper aperture 22 to the loweraperture 32. However, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of thehousing 14 may be varied without departing from the scope of theinvention. The housing 14 is preferably constructed of a material thatis rigid. Although metal may be utilized, the housing 14 is preferablyconstructed of plastic so as to reduce its overall weight.

Preferably, the housing 14 is designed to be positioned on the ground ina location where underground utility lines, such as power lines,telephone lines or cable TV lines extend upward towards the surface.Typically, the housing 14 is located adjacent structures that are toreceive the utility service or are located at periodic intervals alongthe service line. For example, with cable TV service, the cables areburied under the ground and are periodically brought up into anenclosure 14 where the cables are fed through an amplifier. Theamplifier then amplifies the signals carried by the cable and providesthe amplified signal to the next run of buried cable. In this fashion,the cable can be extended over large distances without significantattenuation of the signals carried by the cable. It will be appreciatedthat there are many other types of buried underground service lines andcables that must be brought up to the surface for termination,connection or servicing and it will become apparent from the followingdescription that the enclosure of the preferred embodiment can be usedin any of a number of different implementations.

As shown in FIG. 1, two curved guide rods 40 are located at each of theopposite ends of the housing 14. The guide rods 40 each have a curvedportion 42 that forms an arc that extends upward from the cavity 18. Thecurved portion 42 forms into two straight, parallel side portions 43.Flat bases 44 at each end of the side portions 43 of the guide rods 40are configured to rest on the flange 24. Preferably, apertures extendthrough the flat bases 44 of the guide rods 40 for the receipt of ascrew or some other fastening means that is used to secure the guiderods 40 to the flange 24. In this manner, the flange 24 supports theguide rods 40 so that the guide rods 40 extend upward through the upperaperture 22 and above the housing 14, thereby defining two parallelplanes that are spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to thelength of the housing 14. In FIG. 1, the guide rods 40 are positioned atthe extreme opposite ends of the housing 14. However, it is envisionedthat the guide rods 40 could be mounted anywhere along the flange 24,provided mounting holes are positioned at appropriate locations on theflange 24, so as to be positioned anywhere along the length of thehousing 14. Further, additional guide rods 40 can also be mounted on theflange 24 if so desired.

A hanger rod 46 having ends 50 extends lengthwise across the housing 14between each of the curve guide rods 40. The hanger rod 46 preferablyhas a length that corresponds to the distance between the two curvedguide rods 40. The ends 50 of the hanger rod 46 are forked so as todefine a u-shaped structure and the ends 50 are preferably threaded.Preferably, the u-shaped ends 50 each define a space that is sized toreceive the curved guide rods 40 therein. Hence, in an assembled state,the hanger rod 46 is positioned between each of the guide rods 40 sothat the guide rods 40 lie within the u-shaped ends 50 of the hanger rod46. As the ends 50 are threaded, a nut or other clamping means may beutilized to tightly secure the u-shaped ends 50 of the hanger rod 46 tothe guide rods 40, thereby suspending the hanger rod 46 above the cavity18.

With reference to FIG. 2, the hanger rod 46 may be moved byun-tightening the ends 50 of the hanger rod 46 and sliding the ends 50along the length of the guide rods 40, as illustrated by the arrows inFIG. 2 and the hanger rod 46' shown in phantom. This is advantageous, asit permits a user to move the hanger rod 46 to various positions thatare determined by the shape and length of the guide rods 40, asdescribed in detail below. It will be appreciated that although, asillustrated, the guide rods 40 are arc-shaped, a variety of guide rodshapes and lengths may be utilized without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

Because the u-shaped ends 50 of the hanger rod 46 slide along the lengthof the guide rods 40, it is desirable that the guide rods 40 havecircular cross-sections to provide for easier sliding with lessresistance. However, cross sections of various shapes may be utilized soas to provide a secure fit between the ends 50 of the hanger rod 46 andthe guide rods 40.

With reference to FIG. 1, the hanger rod 46 serves as a support for adevice such as a cable TV amplifier 47 (illustrated schematically) orsome other maintenance or diagnosis device known to those skilled in theart. In particular, the device 47 may consist of a cable TV amplifierthat is designed to be hung from the center support 46 in the mannershown. The amplifier 47 is thus configured to hang from the hanger rod46 so that it extends downward from the hanger rod 46 towards the upperaperture 22. The underground cables 17 can then be connected to theamplifier in a well known manner.

A center support 48 can also be located along the top portion 20 of thehousing 14 so that it extends across the upper aperture 22 in adirection transverse to the length of the support rod 46. The centersupport 48 consists of two vertical sections 49 connected by ahorizontal section 50. Slots 51 extend along the length of the verticalsections 49 of the center support 48. Mounts 52 are slidably fastened tothe vertical sections 49 of the center support 48 using nuts and boltsthat extend through the mounts 52 and through the slots 51. The mounts52 are mounted to the flange 24 with self-mounting screws, therebysecuring the center support 48 across the aperture. The mounts 52 may betightened to the center support 48 at any point along the length of theslots 51, thus allowing the vertical position of the center mount 48 tobe adjusted by un-tightening the mounts 52 and sliding the mounts 52along the slots 51 to a desired position. Furthermore, the centersupport 48 may be positioned at any point along the length of the flange24 using the self-mounting screws.

The center support 48 functions to partially support the weight of thedevice 47 that hangs from the hanger rod 46. The center support 48 maybe positioned so that the amplifier 47 hangs straight down and restsdirectly above the center support 48, as illustrated in FIG. 1.Alternatively, for larger amplifiers or other devices that extendfarther downward, the center support 48 may be positioned so that anamplifier rests diagonally against the center support 48 and into thecavity 18. Further, additional center supports 48 can be added as neededto support devices hanging from the rod 46. As the position of thecenter support 48 is adjustable, it advantageously allows maintenancepersonnel the ability to move it to convenient locations duringmaintenance of utility lines.

The above-described structures provide certain advantages over prior artutility enclosures. First, the adjustable hanger rod 46 enhances theconvenience of the utility connector enclosure, as it permits utilitymaintenance personnel to move the hanger rod 46 to desired positionsthat improve access to the cavity 18 during maintenance, or to positionsthat are particularly suited for amplifiers or other devices ofdifferent sizes and configurations. Moreover, as the position of thehanger rod 46 is adjustable, rather than fixed, there is also providedthe capability of positioning multiple hanger rods along the guide rods40 if the need arises. As discussed, the adjustable center support 48provides the advantage of being able to move the position of the centersupport 48 to positions that maximize the amount of support to theweight of a hanging amplifier, thereby reducing wear to the hanger rod46. Furthermore, because its position is adjustable, maintenancepersonnel may move the center support 48 out of the way duringmaintenance.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, extenders 57 are located at opposite ends ofthe housing 14, preferably near the center point of the width of thehousing at each end. Each extender 57 consists of a strap of rigidmaterial having a bent shape. The extenders 57 are fastened at one endto the flange 24, just below the aperture 22. The extenders 57 areshaped to extend horizontally along the flange 24 to the interiorvertical wall 16 of the housing 14 and upward along the interior wall 16so that they pass through and extend outward from the upper aperture 22.Preferably, a slot 59 extends through the extender 57 where the extendercontacts the flange 24 so that the position of the extender may beadjusted along the length of the slot 59. At the upper end 20 of thehousing 14, the extenders 57 protrude horizontally outward from thehousing 14 along a plane defined by the upper aperture 22 and terminatein an upwardly extending outer end 58. At least one aperture 64 islocated on each of the upwardly extending outer ends 58 of the extenders57.

Alignment strips 60 are fastened to each of the outer ends 58 of theextenders 57. Alternatively, the alignment strips 60 may be integrallyformed with the connector 57. In any event, the alignment strip 60consists of an L-shaped strip of rigid material, such as plastic ormetal. A vertical portion 62 of the alignment strip 60 is fastened tothe outer end 58 of the extender 57. A horizontal portion 66 of thealignment strip 60 extends from the bottom end of the vertical portion62 in a direction away from the housing 14. The horizontal portions ofthe alignment strip are preferably vertically aligned below theapertures 64. Preferably, each of the horizontal portions 66 of thealignment strips 60 define a common horizontal plane. The function ofthe alignment strips 60 is described below.

A cover 70 is configured to fit over the housing 14 so that the cover 70may be positioned to conceal the housing 14 from view. Preferably, thecover 70 has an outer surface that is shaped and colored to simulate theappearance of a rock. A series of vents 72 are distributed on the cover70 to provide ventilation to the housing 14 when the cover 70 is placedover the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, horizontal vents arearranged in sets of three periodically around the surface of the cover70. Preferably, the vents may also act as handholds to facilitatelifting the cover 70. However, it will be appreciated that vents ofvarious shapes could be distributed in any variety ofaesthetically-pleasing or functional positions around the cover 70. Itwill be appreciated that when utility equipment is positioned in theenclosure and the rock cover is positioned thereon, ventilation of theinterior of the enclosure 10 is necessary to prevent overheating. Thecovers 70 are preferably shaped so that multiple covers may be nested ontop of each other during shipping or storage. Such a featureadvantageously reduces expenses associated with shipping and storage ofthe covers 70.

Locking apertures 74 are located on opposite ends of the cover 70. Thelocations of the locking apertures 74 correspond to the locations of theapertures 64 on the extenders 57, so that when the cover 70 is placedover the housing 14, the locking apertures 74 on the cover 70 may bealigned with the apertures 64 on the extenders 57. Preferably, a usermay align the apertures 64 and 74 by using the horizontal portion 66 ofthe alignment strip 60 as a reference for locating the position of theaperture 64. In the preferred embodiment, the horizontal portion 66 ofthe alignment strips 60 extends outward from the housing 14 a distancethat is greater than the distance of the outer surface of the rock cover70 when the rock cover 70 is positioned over the housing 14. Hence, therock cover 70 can be easily aligned with the aperture 74 beingpositioned substantially adjacent the aperture 64 on the extender 57 bythe installer as the alignment strips 60 are preferably visible evenafter the rock cover 70 is positioned over the housing 14. In thismanner, the alignment strips 60 preferably allow a user to easily andquickly align the cover 70 over the housing 14.

In a preferred embodiment, locking pins 76 extend horizontally outwardfrom the apertures 64 in the upper regions 58 of the extenders 57. Thelocking pins 76 may be fastened to the extenders 57 utilizing threadedends on the locking pins 76 that are inserted through the apertures 64and secured to the extenders 57 with a nut 77. The nut 77 in thepreferred embodiment is a Nylock™ nut that receives the locking pin 76to the extender 57 so that the locking pin 76 cannot be unscrewed fromthe outside of the cover 70 as the locking pin 76 will simply turn withthe nut 77. Alternatively, the locking pins 76 may be integrally formedwith the extender 57. A hole 78 extends radially through each of thelocking pins 76 that is configured to receive a lock as described below.

The cover 70 is secured to the housing 14 by placing the cover 70 overthe housing 70 and engaging one of the locking pins 76 through one ofthe locking apertures 74 in the housing 70. The cover 70 is then slidinward towards the housing 14 so that the opposite side of the cover 70may rest on the ground. The cover 70 can then be slid back so that thelocking pin 76 on the opposite end of the housing 14 may be insertedthrough the free locking aperture 74 in the cover 70. As discussed, thepositions of the extenders 57 are adjustable along the slot 59, whichallows a user to adjust the positions of the locking pins 78 to the sizeof the cover 70. It will be appreciated that since the extenders 57 areattached to the housing 14 via the slots 59, the extenders 57 can beadjustably mounted with respect to the housing 14. Consequently, theextenders 57 can be advantageously positioned so that the cover 70 canbe mounted in a position wherein it is offset about the housing, e.g.,closer to one side of the housing 14 than the other. It will be furtherappreciated in some circumstances, the position of the housing 14 isfixed, but it would be desirable to be able to mount the cover 70 closerto the housing 14 on one side than the other. Consequently, the lockingpins 76 can be positioned so as to accommodate various positioning ofthe cover 70 with respect to the housing 14 while still allowing thecover 70 to be locked to the housing 14.

Once the two locking pins 76 are engaged through the locking apertures74 in the housing, the locking pins 76 preferably extend outward fromthe apertures 74 a sufficient distance so that the holes 78 in thelocking pins 76 are visible. Padlocks 80 may then be inserted throughthe holes 78 in the locking pins 76, thereby preventing the cover 70from being removed from the locking pins 76. In this manner, the cover70 and the contents within the cover are advantageously secured fromtheft or unauthorized removal.

In use, the utility cover apparatus 10 is located partially buried belowground so that the upper end 20 of the housing 14 protrudes upward fromthe ground. Preferably, the housing 14 is buried so that the horizontalportions 66 of the alignment strips 60 are level with the surface of theground. The cover 70 may be secured in place in the manner describedabove so that the cover conceals the housing 14 from view. With thecover 70 in place, the utility connector enclosure appears as a rocksitting on the ground, rather than an intrusively-appearing plasticdevice. Hence, the device allows the use of utility connectors withoutthe often unattractive appearance associated with prior devices.

The installation of the housing 14 and the cover 70 will be described ingreater detail in reference to FIG. 3. Specifically, in FIG. 3 a hole 90is initially dug into the ground. The hole 90 is preferably dug to thelevel of the buried cables 17. The buried cables 17 are then pulled upinto the enclosure 22 through the lower aperture 18. The device 47 ishung on the hanger rod 46 in a desired orientation and the cables 17 arethen connected to the device 47. The installer then backfills the hole90 to the level of the horizontal portions 66 of the alignment strips 60that extend outward from the housing 14. As shown in FIG. 3, thehorizontal portions 66 of the alignment strips 60 are positioned belowthe level of the upper aperture 22 so that an upper section 20 of thehousing 14 is positioned between the level 92 of the ground and thecavity 18 of the housing 14. This reduces the likelihood of waterseeping into the enclosure 14.

The rock cover 70 is then positioned over the housing 14 so that therock cover completely covers the portion of the housing 14 protrudingfrom the ground 92. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the alignmentstrip 66 extends outward from the housing 18 a distance greater than therock cover 70, which facilitates alignment of the cover 70 with thelocking pins 76, as the installer can always see the aperture 74 in thecover and the alignment strip 66 when positioning the cover on theground 92. Once the cover 70 is positioned on the ground with the edgesof the cover 70 resting on the horizontal portion 66 of the alignmentstrips 60, the operator may maneuver the cover 70 onto the locking pins76 in the manner described above.

Hence, the rock utility cover apparatus 10 of the present inventionprovides certain advantages over the prior art. The practicality of theutility connector enclosure is enhanced, as maintenance personnel mayposition the hanger rod 46 at various positions during maintenance so asto provide better access to utility lines. Moreover, as the position ofthe center support 48 is adjustable, the center support 48 will notunnecessarily interfere with maintenance personnel and may be positionedto provide maximum support for an amplifier hanging from the hanger rod46. The rock cover 70 provides an aesthetic look to a device that wouldotherwise appear unattractive in many environments. Further, the cover70 may be easily and quickly locked in place utilizing the alignmentstrips 60, allowing utility personnel to secure the utility lines, aswell as any devices attached to the lines, from theft or vandalism.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has shown,described, and pointed out the fundamental novel features of theinvention as applied to these embodiments, it will be understood thatvarious omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detailof the device illustrated, may be made by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit of the present invention.Consequently, the scope of the invention should not be limited to theforegoing discussion, but is to be defined by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A utility enclosure apparatus, comprising:ahousing, the housing having side walls defining a cavity therein, thehousing having an upper aperture opening into said cavity and a loweraperture for the passage of utility cables therethrough into saidcavity; a first guide rail and a second guide rail, the first and secondguide rails extending upward from the housing across the upper apertureand defining two substantially parallel planes that are spaced apartfrom each other; a rod having a first end and a second end, the firstend of the rod connected to the first guide rail, the second end of therod connected to the second guide rail, wherein the rod is connectablein one of a range of positions along said guide rails and wherein saidrod is configured to receive one or more devices that are to be hung onsaid rod so as to support said one or more devices in an orientationwhere said one or more devices can be connected to said cables; and acover having the appearance of a rock which is removably secured to saidhousing, wherein the cover is configured to fit over an conceal thehousing.
 2. The utility enclosure apparatus of claim 1, additionallycomprising a center support bar removably connected to said housing andextending across the upper aperture, wherein both the vertical andhorizontal position of the support bar is adjustable and wherein saidcenter support can be positioned to support said one or more devices ina space positioned above a plane defined by said upper aperture of saidhousing.
 3. The utility enclosure apparatus of claim 2, wherein a firstaperture is located in said cover and a second aperture is located insaid housing, and wherein the first aperture may be aligned with thesecond aperture for the insertion of a pin through said first and secondapertures to secure said cover to said housing.
 4. The utility enclosureapparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising an alignment stripextending outward from said housing, said alignment strip including ahorizontal portion and a vertical portion, wherein a first apertureextends through said cover and a second aperture extends through saidvertical portion of said alignment strip and wherein said first aperturemay be aligned with said second aperture for the insertion of a pinthrough said first and second apertures to secure said cover to saidhousing.
 5. The utility enclosure apparatus of claim 4, wherein saidhorizontal portion of said alignment strip is located along a commonvertical plane with said second aperture so as to facilitate positioningof said cover on said housing so that said first and second aperturesalign.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the horizontal portion ofthe alignment strip extends outward from the housing a distancesufficient so that when the rock cover is positioned over said housing,said horizontal portion of said alignment strip is still visible tofacilitate alignment of the aperture in said cover with the aperture insaid housing.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the aperture in saidhousing is located in a spaced relationship to said alignment strip sothat when said cover is positioned on said alignment strip, said firstand second apertures are aligned and will receive a locking pin thatwill secure said cover on said housing.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6,wherein said housing is configured to be partially buried in the groundand wherein the horizontal portion of the alignment strip defines theupper level of the ground to facilitate backfilling of a hole dug toreceive the housing.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein saidhorizontal portion of said alignment strip is spaced below a horizontalplane defined by said upper aperture of said housing so that said upperaperture is above ground level when said housing is partially buried inthe ground.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and secondguide rails are arched over said cavity and across said upper aperture.11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first and second ends of saidrod are forked so as to be configured to receive the first and secondguide rails.
 12. A utility enclosure apparatus, comprising:arectangular-shaped housing having walls defining a cavity therein, thehousing having an upper aperture opening into the cavity and a loweraperture opening into the cavity for the passage of underground utilitycables through the lower aperture into the cavity; a cover having anouter surface and an inner surface, the outer surface being configuredto simulate the appearance of a rock, the inner surface defining a spacesized to receive said housing; a mounting rod configured to receivedevices for attachment to said underground cables; and a lockingmechanism coupled to said cover and to said housing wherein the lockingmechanism locks said cover to said housing so that said cover concealssaid housing from view.
 13. The utility enclosure apparatus of claim 12,wherein a series of vents are located on said cover.
 14. The utilityenclosure apparatus of claim 13, wherein the vents comprise horizontalslots that are configured to act as a hand-hold for lifting the coveroff of the housing.
 15. The utility enclosure apparatus of claim 12,wherein the outer surface and the inner surface of the cover are sizedso the cover may be nested over a like cover.
 16. The utility enclosureapparatus of claim 12, wherein said mounting rod is slidably mountedabove said cavity between two guide rails extending upward from saidcavity.
 17. The utility enclosure apparatus of claim 12, wherein thelocking mechanism includes an alignment strip extending outward fromsaid housing, wherein a first aperture extends through said alignmentstrip and a second aperture extends through said housing and wherein thefirst aperture is configure to be aligned with the second aperture forthe insertion of a pin through said first and second apertures.
 18. Theutility enclosure apparatus of claim 17, wherein the alignment stripincludes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion above saidhorizontal portion, and wherein said first aperture extends through saidvertical portion and wherein said horizontal portion is verticallyaligned with said first aperture so that said horizontal portion may beused as a reference for determining the position of said first aperturewhen aligning said first and second apertures.
 19. The utility enclosureapparatus of claim 18, wherein said cover has a bottom portionconfigured to rest against the ground, and wherein the outer surface ofsaid bottom portion is spaced apart from said housing by a firstdistance when said cover is placed over said housing, and wherein saidhorizontal portion of said alignment strip extends outward from saidhousing a distance greater than said first distance so that saidhorizontal portion of said alignment strip is visible when said cover isplaced over said housing.
 20. The utility enclosure apparatus of claim18, wherein said housing is configure to be partially buried in theground and wherein the horizontal portion of the alignment strip definesthe surface level of the ground when the housing is partially buried tofacilitate backfilling of a hole dug to receive the housing.
 21. Theutility enclosure apparatus of claim 20, wherein said horizontal portionof said alignment strip is spaced below a plane defined by the upperaperture of the housing so that said upper aperture is above groundlevel when said housing is partially buried below ground.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the rod is movablyconnected to the first guide rail and the second end of the rod ismovably connected to the second guide rail.
 23. The apparatus of claim22, wherein the first end of the rod is slidably connected to the firstguide rail and the second end of the rod is slidably connected to thesecond guide rail.
 24. The utility enclosure apparatus of claim 13,wherein said mounting rod is adjustable.